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Metro attains Government-backed Cyber Essentials certification

Nov 12, 2025 | Metro, MVT, Technology

Metro has achieved Cyber Essentials certification, the UK Government-backed baseline for protecting organisations against the most common cyber threats.

Achieving Cyber Essentials builds on our ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification awarded in July, reinforcing a layered, standards-led approach to information security across our operations and supply chain.

With business and procurement leaders reporting a marked rise in attacks and cascading disruption risks, strengthening first-line cyber controls at each node in the chain is now a business continuity priority, not just an IT task. Our Cyber Essentials certification evidences robust baseline controls, while ISO 27001 provides the governance, risk and assurance framework above them.

Cyber Essentials focuses on five technical controls proven to block or defend against the most prevalent cyber-attacks:

Firewalls & internet gateways to prevent unauthorised access
Secure configuration of devices, software and services
User access control with least-privilege principles and strong authentication
Malware protection to detect and stop malicious code (including ransomware)
Patch management to close known vulnerabilities promptly

Certification is independently assessed and renewed annually, driving continual improvement and accountability.

A continuum of assurance

ISO/IEC 27001:2022 (achieved July 2025) sets the overarching Information Security Management System (ISMS) covering policy, risk assessment, controls and audit.
Cyber Essentials complements this with mandated, practical safeguards at the device and network edge. A tangible signal to customers that foundational defences are in place and verified.

UK guidance continues to emphasise board-level accountability for cyber resilience, reflecting the escalating tempo and impact of attacks. Metro’s combined certifications align with this direction of travel and with customer expectations for measurable, third-party-validated controls across their logistics partners.

What customers can expect

Trusted handling of data and systems across bookings, visibility tools and integrations
Consistent security standards applied to partners and internal processes
Ongoing improvement via annual Cyber Essentials renewal and ISO 27001 surveillance

Cyber Essentials certification is a further step in our long-term programme to deliver secure, technology-driven solutions that help you operate with confidence in an increasingly digital trading environment.

To discuss secure integrations, data exchange or platform connectivity, EMAIL Ian Powell, Customer & Technical Solutions Director.

France Ends Regime 42: What It Means for Exporters and Why You Should Attend Metro’s December Customs Webinar

Nov 10, 2025 | 4PL, Chemical, Customs, eCommerce, EU, Exports, Foodstuffs, International Trade, Metro, MVT, News, Publishing, Retail

France will withdraw Regime 42 from 1 January 2026, removing the VAT simplification that currently allows goods to enter France without import VAT when they are destined for another EU member state.

The ending of Regime 42 has attracted little publicity, but it will directly affect UK exporters shipping on DDP terms through the primary Dover–Calais Channel crossing.

Under DDP, the UK exporter is responsible for EU import formalities. Once Regime 42 is removed, any DDP shipment entering France will require French import VAT accounting, unless the exporter holds a French VAT registration. For many businesses, this introduces new administrative steps and potential cash-flow exposure.

Some exporters may look to reroute via alternative EU entry points, like Belgium or the Netherlands, where Regime 42 will continue. However, the Dover–Calais corridor remains the fastest, most reliable and most cost-efficient route into mainland Europe.

Diverting freight via Belgian or Dutch ports will inevitably add cost, extend transit times and risk congestion if volumes surge.

To ensure continuity, Metro can support exporters with three practical solutions:

T1 Transit Solution
Goods can transit France under a T1, avoiding the need to pay French import VAT. Clearance takes place at the final EU destination, maintaining full route flexibility.
French VAT Registration and Returns
For exporters wishing to continue using Dover–Calais without a transit procedure, Metro can arrange and manage French VAT registration and periodic returns.
Routing via alternative port pairs
Where customers prefer to use Dutch or Belgian ports to retain Regime 42 benefits, Metro can support and coordinate these routings through established carrier and agent networks.

For many DDP exporters, the T1 transit route or French VAT registration, supported by Metro, will offer the best combination of compliance, speed and cost-efficiency.

Exporters should review their EU import arrangements early to ensure seamless operations ahead of January 2026.

Metro’s customs and compliance specialists are working with exporting customers to identify exposure, adapt procedures, and ensure every movement remains compliant and cost-efficient under the new rules.

EMAIL Andrew Smith, Managing Director, to discuss how we can help safeguard your European exports and keep your goods flowing smoothly through the transition.

Upcoming Metro Webinar: Essential Customs Changes for 2026

To help businesses prepare for these and other major regulatory shifts, Metro’s customs specialists will host a one-hour webinar in December.

Webinar Title

Avoid EU Border Disruption in 2026: The Key Customs Changes and How to Prepare Now

What We’ll Cover
A focused, practical review of:

ICS2 and the new GB ENS requirements
The end of Regime 42 in France: who is affected and what to do
French Douane ELO rules and their impact on all French port traffic
EUDR, CBAM and the UK’s expected approach
2026 trade agreements and anticipated regulatory changes
Accessing CDS data free of charge
De minimis rule changes and the end of low-value relief
Compliance requirements for 2026 – what they mean in real terms

5 December @ 11:00 AM (1 hour) – CLICK TO BOOK

Exporters, importers and supply chain managers are strongly encouraged to attend. This session provides clarity on the border changes that will define 2026, and the actions businesses need to take now to stay compliant and competitive.

Metro Global USA: Building Momentum in a Key Market

Nov 9, 2025 | Metro, United States

Metro has taken a major step forward in its international growth strategy with the successful establishment and rapid expansion of Metro Global USA.

The operation now spans more than 10 offices across key logistics hubs, including New York, Chicago, and Dallas, strengthening Metro’s local presence and ability to support clients and partners in one of the world’s most critical trade markets.

The groundwork for this expansion was laid earlier this year, when CEO Grant Liddell and Managing Director Andy Smith completed a two-week visit to the United States to meet key clients, carriers, and partners. The visit confirmed the opportunity for a dedicated U.S. sales platform that would complement Metro’s global network and enhance its ability to serve transatlantic and intra-Americas trade.

That vision has now become a reality. Chief Financial Officer Laurence Burford and Project Manager Sophie Moss recently completed a strategic visit to the U.S. to embed Metro’s systems, culture, and governance across the new business. Their work focused on establishing financial and operational infrastructure aligned with U.S. regulations, ensuring robust budgeting frameworks, and integrating Metro’s digital and customer service platforms to deliver consistency and efficiency from day one.

Expanding Capability and Confidence

Momentum is building rapidly. Metro Global USA has already begun hiring additional staff to manage growing client demand, and its teams are now fully operational across a range of sectors. The U.S. offices are working closely with Metro’s UK and global teams to optimise trade lanes, improve routing options, and deliver end-to-end visibility through enhanced systems integration.

The visit by Burford and Moss was described internally as “extremely positive and beneficial,” generating strong engagement among U.S. staff and reinforcing Metro’s people-first culture. Their presence ensured alignment in both process and purpose, establishing a foundation for scalable growth that reflects Metro’s commitment to long-term partnership and service excellence.

Looking Ahead: Deepening Transatlantic Collaboration

Building on this momentum, Grant Liddell and Andy Smith are planning a follow-up visit to the U.S. in December to review progress, meet with staff and partners, and shape the next phase of expansion. Their agenda will focus on strengthening customer engagement, supporting further recruitment, and exploring additional investment opportunities in the North American market.

As global trade patterns evolve, Metro’s deepened presence in the U.S. ensures that its clients benefit from a truly integrated network, combining global reach with local expertise, and delivering predictable, efficient, and resilient logistics solutions across the Atlantic and beyond.

For more information about Metro Global USA or to explore opportunities in the U.S. market, please EMAIL Andrew Smith, Managing Director.

BIFA’s 2025 Standard Trading Conditions: A Strategic Update for UK Freight Forwarding

Oct 24, 2025 | BIFA, International Trade, Metro

The British International Freight Association (BIFA) has unveiled its 2025 edition of the Standard Trading Conditions (STC), replacing the 2021 version under which Metro and the wider UK forwarding industry currently operate.

The 2025 revision represents one of the most comprehensive updates in recent years.
BIFA has sought to future-proof the framework against a more volatile trading environment, incorporating lessons learned since Brexit and adapting to the increasing frequency of customs-related responsibilities handled by forwarders.

The new STC also strengthens legal robustness, ensuring compliance with the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977, and updates terminology to align with modern commercial practice and current UK contract law.

Key Changes in the 2025 STC

Updated liability framework – Clarified definitions of loss, damage, delay, and consequential loss, with adjustments to how liability limits apply to multimodal transport and ancillary services.
Enhanced customs provisions – Expanded clauses covering declarations, indirect representation, and data accuracy, reflecting the critical role forwarders play in UK border compliance.
Digital documentation and e-commerce – Introduction of language recognising electronic records, digital communication, and automation tools as valid and binding forms of documentation.
Improved clarity on lien and payment rights – Modernised wording on forwarders’ entitlement to retain goods or documentation until payment is received, ensuring consistency with case law.
Force majeure and sanctions – Strengthened references to trade sanctions, embargoes, and extraordinary disruptions such as pandemics or cyber incidents.
Modernised terminology – Simplified and standardised language throughout to reduce ambiguity and prevent misinterpretation in contractual disputes.

Collectively, these revisions make the 2025 STC more aligned with the realities of today’s international trade, providing forwarders and their clients with a transparent and fair contractual framework.

What Shippers Should Do

Familiarise themselves with the new conditions and note how these may affect contractual responsibilities, especially regarding customs declarations and documentation accuracy.
Review existing contracts to ensure consistency with the updated terms ahead of implementation.
Engage with account managers for clarification on any specific service implications under the new framework.

Transition and Implementation

The 2025 Standard Trading Conditions take effect on 31 December 2025, replacing the 2021 edition.

BIFA has published the revised terms well in advance to give members and their customers time to prepare, review contractual documentation, and ensure a seamless transition.

The full text for the 2025 edition can be found here, and the 2021 edition here.

The 2025 BIFA Standard Trading Conditions introduce important legal and operational changes that affect all freight forwarding contracts. EMAIL Laurence Burford, Chief Financial Officer, to discuss the details, potential implications, and how Metro can help ensure your trading agreements remain fully compliant and commercially protected.